As the tech world buzzes with anticipation, OnePlus is gearing up to launch its next flagship smartphone—the OnePlus 15. While the company has yet to make an official announcement, a steady stream of leaks and rumors has painted a compelling picture of what to expect. From a redesigned display and camera module to a massive battery and cutting-edge chipset, the OnePlus 15 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Android phones of 2026. Here’s a deep dive into everything we know so far.
A New Naming Convention and Launch Timeline
In a move that’s both strategic and culturally sensitive, OnePlus appears to be skipping the “14” moniker entirely, jumping from the OnePlus 13 straight to the OnePlus 15. This decision aligns with Chinese superstitions around the number 4, which is considered unlucky. The OnePlus 15 is expected to debut in China around October 2025, with a global rollout—including India—slated for early 2026.
Alongside the flagship model, OnePlus is also rumored to launch a more budget-friendly variant, the OnePlus 15R, and possibly the OnePlus Ace 6. This staggered release strategy mirrors the company’s previous launches and helps cater to both premium and mid-range markets.
Display: Flat, Fast, and Future-Ready
One of the most notable changes in the OnePlus 15 is its display. Leaks suggest the company is moving away from its curved-edge design philosophy in favor of a flat screen. The device is expected to feature a 6.78-inch LTPO OLED panel with a 1.5K resolution and an ultra-smooth 165Hz refresh rate. This marks a significant upgrade over the OnePlus 13’s 120Hz Quad-HD+ display and positions the OnePlus 15 among the fastest smartphone screens available.
The use of LIPO (Low-Injection Pressure Over-moulding) technology is said to enable ultra-thin bezels, measuring just 1.2mm to 1.3mm. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also improves ergonomics and screen-to-body ratio. With support for Dolby Vision and high peak brightness, the display is expected to deliver stunning visuals across gaming, streaming, and everyday use.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 and Beyond
Under the hood, the OnePlus 15 is rumored to be powered by Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset. Codenamed SM8850, this processor is expected to feature a custom Oryon CPU and an Adreno 840 GPU, offering significant performance gains over its predecessor. Early reports also mention a dedicated 16MB performance cache, which could enhance multitasking and graphics rendering.
The device is likely to come with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, with configurations ranging from 12GB to 24GB of RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage. This makes the OnePlus 15 a powerhouse for gaming, productivity, and media consumption.
Battery and Charging: Bigger and Faster
Battery life has always been a strong suit for OnePlus, and the 15 looks to push the envelope even further. Leaks suggest a massive 7,300mAh battery, a notable jump from the 6,000mAh unit found in the OnePlus 13. This could translate to multi-day usage for most users, even with heavy screen time and app usage.
Charging speeds are expected to remain top-tier, with support for 100W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging. This ensures that even such a large battery can be topped up quickly, minimizing downtime and maximizing convenience.
Camera: Familiar Sensors, New Design
While the camera sensors may not see a dramatic upgrade, the design of the rear camera module is expected to change significantly. OnePlus may be moving away from its signature circular camera island, opting instead for a squarish layout that aligns with current design trends.
The OnePlus 15 is rumored to feature a triple-lens setup: a 50MP LYT700 primary sensor with optical image stabilization, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. On the front, a 32MP selfie camera is expected to handle video calls and self-portraits.
This setup suggests a focus on versatility and clarity, with improvements in zoom performance and low-light photography. While not a radical overhaul, the refinements could make the OnePlus 15 a strong contender in the premium camera phone category.
Design and Build: Premium Materials and New Aesthetics
The OnePlus 15 is expected to continue the brand’s tradition of sleek, premium design. Leaks point to a new “Moon Rock Black” colorway, described as a deeper, more refined take on the company’s previous black finishes. The device may also feature a high-quality texture inspired by cosmic aesthetics, enhancing its visual appeal and grip.
In terms of durability, the phone is likely to come with an IP68 or IP69 rating for water and dust resistance. An ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner is also expected, offering faster and more reliable biometric authentication.
Software: OxygenOS 16 and AI Integration
The OnePlus 15 will likely ship with OxygenOS 16 based on Android 16, bringing a clean, fast, and customizable user experience. The new OS is expected to include AI-driven features for battery optimization, camera enhancements, and system performance.
Smart connectivity features like seamless device switching, voice command integration, and contextual app suggestions could further enhance usability. With OnePlus continuing to refine its software experience, the 15 may offer one of the most polished Android interfaces on the market.
Pricing and Market Position
Pricing is always a critical factor, and early leaks suggest the OnePlus 15 could be priced around ₹80,000 in India. This marks a notable increase from the ₹69,999 starting price of the OnePlus 13, but the upgrades in display, battery, and performance may justify the premium.
The device is clearly aimed at users who want flagship-level specs without crossing into ultra-premium territory. With its blend of cutting-edge hardware and thoughtful design, the OnePlus 15 could challenge rivals like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro in the high-end Android space.
Final Thoughts
While much of the OnePlus 15’s story is still unfolding, the leaks so far paint a picture of a device that’s bold, refined, and performance-driven. From its flat 165Hz display and massive battery to its redesigned camera module and next-gen chipset, the OnePlus 15 looks poised to push the boundaries of what a flagship phone can offer.
If OnePlus delivers on these expectations, the 15 could be a defining release for the brand—one that reasserts its position as a leader in the Android ecosystem. As we await the official launch, one thing is clear: OnePlus is not playing it safe.
FAQ: OnePlus 15 Leaks
Q: When is the OnePlus 15 expected to launch?
The OnePlus 15 is rumored to debut in China in October 2025, with a global release—including India—in early 2026.
Q: Why is OnePlus skipping the number 14?
Due to cultural superstitions in China, the number 4 (and by extension 14) is considered unlucky, prompting OnePlus to jump directly to 15.
Q: What display specs are expected?
A 6.78-inch flat LTPO OLED with 1.5K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate is rumored, offering ultra-smooth visuals and thin bezels.
Q: What chipset will power the OnePlus 15?
The phone is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor with a custom Oryon CPU and Adreno 840 GPU.
Q: How big is the battery?
Leaks suggest a 7,300mAh battery with support for 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.
Q: Will the camera system be upgraded?
The OnePlus 15 may include a triple 50MP setup with primary, ultra-wide, and periscope telephoto lenses, plus a 32MP front camera.
Q: What is the expected price in India?
The OnePlus 15 is likely to be priced around ₹80,000, depending on the variant and storage configuration.
Q: Will it have water resistance?
Yes, an IP68 or IP69 rating is expected for water and dust protection.
